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What do Baldini’s Italy U21 need to qualify for Euros?

Silvio Baldini’s Italy U21 side head into their final Group E fixture knowing one match…

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 10:44 AM
What do Baldini’s Italy U21 need to qualify for Euros?
Key Things to Know
  • Italy U21 must defeat Poland by two clear goals to secure first place in Group E.
  • A one-goal victory would not suffice due to head-to-head tiebreakers and Poland's superior goal difference.
  • Both nations have already guaranteed a top-two finish in the group.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Silvio Baldini's Italy U21 side face Poland in their final Group E match needing a two-goal victory to secure top spot and automatic qualification for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship. Italy currently trail Poland by three points following a late goal from Cisse against Armenia. Because Poland won the reverse fixture 2-1 in November 2025, UEFA's tiebreakers mean a one-goal Italy victory would leave Poland ahead on overall goal difference.

Both teams are already guaranteed a top-two finish. If Italy draw or lose, they can still qualify directly as the best runner-up across all nine qualifying groups, or enter the playoffs in November. Italy are currently level with Greece on 24 points in the runner-up standings.

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